Julie Craythorne, a Minister in training with The Methodist Church in Ireland is based in Belfast . She entitled her reflections following a recent visit to Hampshire: 'The Shining Light of Anna Chaplaincy in Alton.'
'When I was asked how I would like to use my summer placement time for ministerial training, I did not hesitate to choose 'Anna Chaplaincy.' In 2022, I had completed the Anna Chaplaincy training, given by BRF Ministries and via Zoom, under the guidance of Julia Burton-Jones (Training and Development Lead). It was insightful, informative, and resourceful. I looked forward to Tuesday mornings with others who also shared a passion for pastoral care.
I have not come across Anna Chaplaincy in Northern Ireland yet. Even though the resources we received during the course were excellent and I am still going through the reading list for ideas, I had not had the chance to see an Anna Chaplain in action, and for my summer placement my desire was to visit Alton to shadow their Anna Chaplain, Kate Powell.
With the help and advice of Debbie Thrower, Julia, and the others at BRF, I was put in contact with Kate. Kate and I chatted via online video, made plans, and she welcomed me to follow her while she worked. Debbie Thrower, the pioneer of Anna Chaplaincy, first greeted me in Alton and generously dedicated a substantial amount of time to provide background information about the chaplaincy. She carefully explained the framework of the chaplaincy and tirelessly answered my many questions.
Before meeting Kate, I explored the beautiful market town of Alton. The rich history of the churches there impressed me, but what stood out the most was the strong sense of community in this small town. As I ambled through Alton, I noticed small posters about community events. Many shop fronts displayed dementia-friendly logo window stickers, a community food bank provided food for those in need, and there was a dedicated taxi service for the elderly. The public library extended its opening hours for older residents to visit for books and a quiet cup of tea. Additionally, a community meal was offered on weekdays.
Alton was a place where people mattered, and that value and dignity was undergirded by ministry such as Anna Chaplaincy. In the Bible, the story of Anna, the prophetess, is told in Luke 2: 36-38. Whilst many may have seen Anna as a widow serving in the shadows of the temple, her true light of faith shone as she witnessed for God in that place. I reflected that the ministry of Anna Chaplaincy, named after Anna in the Bible, reflects this biblical character well. For, to me, this chaplaincy is to shine the light of Christ’s hope in the community. Just as Anna talked about Christ to all, so the Anna Chaplain showed Christ’s love to all.
During my time with Kate, the Anna Chaplain in Alton, I knew that her ministry was clearly significant. She ministered to many people by attending the church coffee morning, the library club, the community meal, the care home service, the nursing home visit, and the home communion service. Those who participated in these groups felt listened to, and valued, and had their sense of belonging enriched by being acknowledged in their hometown or environment.
Kate also had a team of volunteers, called Anna Friends, whom she supported. They conducted many of the practical tasks of tea making, befriending, making telephone calls, and so on. Their role was vital, and they helped to broaden the chaplaincy work as they too made links with those in the community through pastoral visitation.
The impactful work carried out in Alton by Anna Chaplain and friends has left a profound impression on me about how communities thrive when Christ's love is shared. I am deeply grateful to all who shared their insights, enthusiasm, and compassion, and dedicated their time to making my summer placement a joyful and enlightening experience.
Thank you Debbie, Kate, Julia and all in Alton.'
Debbie Thrower writes: 'It was lovely to welcome Julie to Hampshire. She was warmly applauded when introduced to parishioners at a Sunday morning service at St Lawrence Church during her stay. We very much hope that before long Julie may be able to introduce Anna Chaplaincy to her home city. Watch this space!'
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